Chapter 7 - Progress
Asher's POV
The sun rose slowly over Greenwood, scattering warm light across the rooftops and waking the city with a soft hum of mana. The terrace was quiet, but it wouldn't stay that way for long — because today was another day to get stronger.
Honestly, I liked this routine. Wake up early. Train like a man possessed. Look good while doing it. Repeat.
I stretched my arms, grabbed my wooden sword, and took a slow breath.
"Alright. Time to level up."
I settled into stance and began the Breath of Iron circulation. Every breath drew mana into my body — cold at first, then warm, then comfortably hot. My meridians pulsed faintly as the energy traveled through them.
But unlike normal cultivators, I didn't have to "guess" or "feel out" the right way.
Ultimate Comprehension made it obvious.
Where the mana should flow.
Which path burned too harshly.
Which movement aligned better with my breathing.
What angle decreased resistance by 0.7% (yes, I noticed that).
[Breath of Iron: 19% → 27% → 31%]
I exhaled, steam faintly leaving my lips.
"Nice. Manual's finally cooperating."
I set the manual aside and brandished my sword.
Sword Path awakened something in me—something instinctive, like muscle memory from a life I had never lived.
Slash.
A gentle ripple distorted the air.
Step. Pivot. Cut.
The wooden blade hummed as if responding to my intention.
Each movement etched clarity into my mind.
[Sword Mastery: 28% → 31% → 34%]
Sweat dripped down my chin.
My wrists ached from repetition.
But my steps grew firmer, my intent sharper, my understanding deeper.
"Again," I whispered.
The world narrowed.
The hum of energy around me grew louder. Every strike felt more aligned, more fluid.
Then—
[Insight Achieved]
"The sword follows the mind; the mind follows the breath."
[Training Efficiency +12%]
It felt like the sword had become lighter — not physically, but conceptually. My intent guided the blade with almost no wasted effort.
But training wasn't all flashy insights and cool ripples. Sometimes it was me, on the terrace, panting like I'd run a marathon.
I plopped onto the floor, exhausted.
"Okay… maybe breakfast should've come before enlightenment."
I lay there for a while, letting my body cool down — though admittedly, the thought of breakfast pushed me to get up faster than enlightenment ever could.
By late afternoon, after a shower and a snack that was 90% sugar, I started walking toward Darek's house.
His neighborhood was nicer than mine — not too fancy, but definitely more "we have money" and less "we have emotional resilience."
Darek opened the door before I even knocked.
"ASHER! You're here! Hurry, Dad's excited to meet you!"
"Excited…? Should I be scared?"
"Yes," he said immediately.
"…I walked into that one."
Inside, the smell of roasted meat filled the house. My stomach growled so loudly Darek gave it a concerned look.
His father was sitting at the table — broad-shouldered, stern face, but warm eyes. Someone who used to be strong and still carried the presence of a fighter.
He stood when he saw me.
"So you're Asher Valen," he said, shaking my hand firmly. "Tier Eight awakening, hmm? Caused quite the stir."
"It was an accident, sir," I said automatically.
Darek snorted. His father chuckled.
"You're humble. Good. Darek could use a friend like you."
"Dad!" Darek groaned. "Stop embarrassing me in front of my cool friend!"
"Cool friend?" I whispered. "I'm honored."
They bickered for a moment, but honestly? It felt… good. Warm. Comfortable. Like family.
Dinner was amazing. Real food. Seasoned food. Not the basic stuff I usually cooked for myself. I may have cried internally.
"So," Darek's father said while passing bread, "what are your goals?"
"Top academy," I answered. "Tier 1 if possible."
His eyebrows rose in approval. "Aim high. Greenwood's too small for someone like you."
Darek pointed his fork at me. "Exactly! This guy is cheating in life. Literally. He awakened Tier Eight!"
"You lost the bet," I reminded him.
He froze.
"…damn."
His father blinked. "What bet?"
Darek sighed dramatically. "Awakening day. We bet on who'd get the higher tier talent. Loser treats the winner at the new restaurant in District 1."
His father's eyes sparkled. "Ah yes! The expensive one with the mana-infused barbecue!"
"Yes," Darek said in pain. "That one. My wallet dies tomorrow."
I clapped him on the back. "Don't worry. I'll order modestly."
"That's the most terrifying thing you've ever said."
We laughed, joked, and talked for almost an hour. I didn't realize how much I missed having a lively home.
After dinner, Darek and I sat on the rooftop, watching the city lights blink awake.
"So," he said, "we still going to the restaurant tomorrow?"
"Absolutely. A bet is a bet."
He groaned again. "This is gonna hurt…"
"But deliciously," I added.
He sighed. "Yeah… delicious pain."
The following afternoon, we headed to the new restaurant in District 1. The place was fancy — floating lanterns, mana crystals embedded in the walls, waiters who looked like they judged your fashion choices.
"This place looks expensive," I whispered.
"It is expensive," Darek replied, weeping internally. "Please don't order anything glowing."
"No promises."
We sat, ordered, and enjoyed the first wave of dishes — sizzling meat, glowing soup (I definitely ordered that), and crunchy fried mana-beasts.
Halfway through the meal, someone approached our table.
A boy.
Silver-haired, sharp-eyed, wearing the uniform of Silverwind Academy.
He looked at me, recognition flashing across his face.
"You're Asher Valen," he said calmly. "The one who awakened Tier Eight."
Darek nearly choked on his drink.
I blinked. "Uh… yeah?"
The boy smiled slightly.
"My name is Rayden Cross. I awakened yesterday as well. I heard about you from some friends."
His gaze sharpened.
"And I came here because I wanted to meet you."
Darek whispered, "Bro… you're popular now."
I had no idea what Rayden wanted, but from the look in his eyes…
This wasn't a coincidence.
End of Chapter 7 — "Progress"